SANTA ANA, Calif. - John Wayne Airport (JWA), in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will begin a 30-day trial of TSA’s “Diamond Self-Select Lanes” program beginning Thursday, July 24. The trial will be conducted at the security screening checkpoints in the Riley Terminal A.

TSA’s Diamond Self-Select Lanes program establishes a series of passenger queuing lanes designated by signage that directs passengers based on their travel needs and knowledge: (1) “Expert” for the business traveler who flies several times a month; (2) “Casual” for passengers who travel less frequently, but are familiar with the security screening process; and (3) “Family/Special Assistance” for passengers traveling with small children or strollers, elderly passengers and passengers who may need special assistance. The three new lanes will be offered in addition to the existing First Class screening lane.

“JWA is always looking for ways to help our passengers move through the terminal quickly and safely,” said Airport Director Alan Murphy. “If this trial period shows that TSA’s self-select program benefits passengers here in Orange County, we’ll work together to implement the lanes throughout the Riley Terminal.”

TSA has worked with a number of airports throughout the country to implement the self-select lanes, including Salt Lake City and Denver. According to TSA, the lanes have increased throughput and greatly increased customer satisfaction. “TSA has rolled this program out in more than thirty airports across the country and we have had resounding success with passenger satisfaction,” said Kathleen Roscher, Federal Security Director at John Wayne Airport. “I am confident that JWA passengers will enjoy the same experience here that they find in other airports with the Diamond Self-Select program.”

Expert Traveler

The expert traveler lane is for frequent travelers who know how to get through the checkpoint quickly and efficiently, are very familiar with the TSA procedures, and understand TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid policy. 

Casual Traveler

These passengers should be somewhat familiar with TSA procedures and travel at least once a year

Families and Special Assistance

These passengers may or may not be familiar with TSA procedures but are traveling with small children and strollers, in large groups, may be elderly or require special assistance or extra time at the checkpoint

For more information on the Diamond Self-Select lane program, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/approach/black_diamond.shtm